The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) welcomes the Supreme Court’s affirmation today in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (formerly Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby) that Americans need not abandon their faith when they start a family business. The decision clarifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) protects Americans of all faiths from government mandates that violate their conscience and religious beliefs.

“This is a big step toward preserving and deepening America’s religious pluralism,” NAE President Leith Anderson said. “RFRA creates a level playing field for people from every faith, ensuring that Americans need not abandon their convictions when they open a school, charity or family business.”

“The beauty of the American system is that it protects all Americans, not just those who adhere to the prevailing orthodoxies of the time,” Anderson said. “The wisdom of Congress in approving the Religious Freedom Restoration Act 20 years ago has also been reaffirmed.”

The NAE wrote and filed an amicus brief in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, and has joined about three dozen other amici briefs in cases challenging the government’s attempt to force religious groups to violate their beliefs.

The NAE is currently studying the details of the Supreme Court decision and may issue a further statement upon completion of this review.